Drainable Polymer Post Anchor for Moisture and Deformation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior post anchors fail to prevent water accumulation and corrosion, leading to structural instability, and are prone to deformation and failure due to post expansion and exposure to elements, with aesthetic issues related to appearance.
Innovation Solution
A post anchor made from UV-resistant thermoplastic polymer with textured surface, featuring interior ribs, elevated base for drainage, and reinforced corners, designed to accommodate post expansion and enhance durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a prior art post anchor with a cavity is used to secure a support post, then the post can be anchored to the ground, but water accumulates at the base inside and around the cavity causing corrosion and damage to the post and post anchor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the harmful element (water) from the cavity by providing drainage holes in the base that extend through to the exterior, allowing water to drain out rather than accumulate inside the cavity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to water management by creating channels on the inner surface of the base that direct water flow toward the drainage holes, adding a directional control element to the previously passive cavity
2Reliability
If a corrosion-resistant coating is applied to the post anchor to prevent corrosion from standing water, then corrosion protection is improved, but the coating cracks and peels off when the post swells or expands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides accommodation features (channels and drainage holes) beforehand that allow the post to swell and expand without generating excessive pressure that would crack the coating or deform the post anchor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the cavity by adding channels and drainage holes, transforming it from a sealed, pressure-building space to a pressure-relieving structure that accommodates post expansion
3Strength
If the post anchor base is in direct contact with the ground for stability, then anchoring strength is improved, but water cannot circulate under the post causing accumulation and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the base structure by providing feet or extensions at the corners that elevate the central portion of the base off the ground, creating space for water circulation while maintaining ground contact through the distributed feet
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a flexible adaptation to ground contact by using corner feet that provide stable support points while allowing the base to be slightly elevated in the center, creating a flexible water circulation pathway
4Ease of manufacture
If the post anchor walls are made thin to use less material, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the post anchor deforms under pressure from post expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments each wall into sections separated by interior ribs, creating a ribbed structure that provides strength and rigidity while using less material than a solid wall of the same thickness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by adding interior ribs to the walls, forming a reinforced configuration that combines the base wall material with additional structural elements for enhanced strength-to-weight ratio
Data Source
AI summary
A post anchor for securing a support post for a structure comprises a base with four upstanding sidewalls forming a cavity into which a post is inserted, and means to secure the post inside the cavity. Interior ribs and exterior augmented corners resist deformation under pressure exerted by the post. Interior channels allow water to drain from inside the cavity toward a drain hole. The anchor post is slightly elevated relative to the ground, allowing air and water to circulate around the post and post anchor. The post anchor is made of a thermoplastic polymer which is given a textured surface, and may include an ultraviolet protection additive.